Page 20

Chapter 20

Balloons & Little Creatures

Jade

Pulling through the gates with Spade’s hands between my legs, I moan.

“Please let me cum. I won’t snitch. I promise, but fuck, Babyboy. I need to cum,” I beg as he continues to flick my clit, pushing his finger slowly in and out of my cunt.

“You know damn well he will know just by looking at you, and I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his punishment. Do you see how big he is?” Spade laughs, and I growl, gripping onto the bottom of his shirt as my back arches off the back of the seat.

“Fuck him. Please, Babyboy. I’ll do anything. Please,” I beg, but he shakes his head. We come to a stop, and so does he. Removing his fingers from underneath my sundress, he brings them to his mouth, sucking them clean.

“Mmm, Babygirl. You taste so fucking good.” He smirks, and I huff, shoving the car door open and stomping towards the house. I swing open the front door in search of the man who thinks it's funny to deny me what I want most. I stop in my tracks and turn towards the living room as I hear my little girl giggling. Stepping into the room, I see a man I’ve never seen before crouching down on the rug with his back to me, playing with my kids. I don’t even think. I remove my gun from the holster and step behind him, pressing the barrel to the back of his head, cocking it.

“Get the fuck away from my kids,” I spit, and he spins so fast, removing the gun from my hand as he stands, wrapping his hand around my throat, pressing me against the mantle with the gun against my face. My eyes widen as I take him in. He tilts his head, looking into my eyes, and I swear I see a speckle of green shimmering in his dark grey eyes. My heart beats erratically in my chest the longer he stares, pressing his big body against mine. I can’t help but gasp when a small smile pulls at his lip. Fuck, he’s gorgeous, and I can’t look away. What the fuck does that say about me? Shit. He releases his grip around my throat and takes a step back, pushing the safety on and handing the gun back to me. I take it and place it back in my holster, never taking my eyes off of him.

“I’m Zayn, you must be Jade,” he rasps, sticking his hand out for me to shake. I shiver at his words. What the fuck! I nod because, for once, I have no fucking words.

“It’s really nice to meet you. I was told you’re the one who gets the final say for my employment.” He smiles, and I nod again like a fucking idiot. He turns back towards the kids and crouches down as Hazel crawls over to him and Jaxon runs his cars over this man's shoulders. Where the fuck is Jameson?

“Snack time,” Jameson says, walking into the room as his eyes land on mine. “Your home. Did you meet Zayn?” he asks, and I nod.

“Sure did,” I snarl, and he rolls his eyes. “Wanna explain what’s going on here?” I ask, and he smiles, stepping into my space, gripping my hips before capturing my lips with his. I moan into the kiss as his grip tightens around my waist. He bites my bottom lip before pulling back.

“I’ve missed you, baby,” he says as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Same, Caveman, same.” I smile as I feel little hands touching my ankles.

“My sweet baby,” I say, bending down to grab my little girl. I squeeze her tightly, kissing her drooly face. “Mama missed you, Hazel,” I say, placing her on my hip.

“Mama, mama. You’re home!” Jaxon yells as he runs into me, wrapping his arms around my legs.

“Yes, my big boy. Mama is home. Did you have fun while I was gone?” I ask, and he jumps up and down excitedly.

“Yes, I did. Mister Zayn is so cool, Mama. Can he come back and play with us? Please, please, please,” he begs, and my eyes lock with Jamie's, who is already raising a brow. Spade walks into the room and Jamie introduces him to Zayn. I don’t know what it is about this guy, but I keep looking at him when no one is paying attention. Hazel lunges for him as he walks past me to shake Spade’s hand and is quick to grab her. He smiles at me and I smile back before handing her to him. Jamie wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

“The kids love him. I’ve never seen them so drawn to a stranger before. It’s odd, but he checks out,” he whispers, running his nose along the column of my neck.

“Are you sure? Because I will kill him if he hurts one of them,” I say as I watch him and Spade shoot the shit over cars.

“Yea, I’m sure. You know I don’t like anyone, and I’ve already warned him that if he thinks about sticking his dick in you, I’d carve his heart out,” he whispers, sucking along my neck. I shiver at his words, knowing he is telling the truth.

“Alright. Hire him. Fuck it,” I say as I stare across the room at this man who, every so often, I catch looking back at me.

Later that evening, we invited Zayn to have dinner with us, so we decided to have a barbecue in the backyard and show him the pool house where he will be living.

Sitting around the table outside as we wait for the balloons to be delivered, my eyes lock with Zayn’s and I smile.

“So, Mr. Cruz, tell me about yourself,” I say as he takes a sip of his water. Why does the way his damn Adam's apple bob make my body quiver? Jesus christ.

“You can call me Zayn. Mr. Cruz makes me sound old and I’m only twenty-eight.” He laughs, and I nod, leaning forward placing my hands on the table.

“Alright. You have so many accomplishments. Why apply to be with my family twenty-four-seven rather than go home to your own?” I ask, and he frowns.

“I don’t have a family. My parents died when I was young, and I’ve been on my own since I graduated high school,” he admits, and I nod.

“I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my mom when I was thirteen, so I can sympathize with that,” I confess.

“It’s not easy being alone, but I’ve endured it and went straight into the military. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but I’m happy to be here,” he says, and I smile as Spade comes out with the balloons, with Ryder not too far behind with markers.

“Forgive us, but today marks one year since my late husband was killed, and instead of going to the cemetery, I figured we’d send balloons up to heaven for him,” I say, and he nods.

“That’s a cool way to celebrate his memory,” he says, swallowing thickly.

Spade walks around, handing out the balloons as Ryder passes out the markers.

“Alright, let's write Dario some messages and send them into the sky,” I say as I grab the red balloon and place it in my lap. Grabbing the black sharpie, I write him a little note.

“I miss you, Big Man. I love you, always and forever. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. See you soon. Jade xoxo.

Placing the marker down, I stand, look up at the sky and let go of the balloon, watching as it floats into the air. Spade hands me another one and I place it on Hazel’s high chair, holding it in place as he takes her hand, writing her name with the marker and letting her scribble on the balloon. Ryder does the same with Jaxon and then we let go, watching the balloons sail into the sky.

Tears fall down my cheek, and I glance over at Zayn, who's watching us all with a sad look on his face. My heart hurts thinking that it’s been a year without his touch, without his voice, without his presence. More tears fall down my face, but something pulls me to this strange man, and when my eyes lock with his, I see hurt beyond his grey eyes and I’m not sure what that is, but I notice his eyes are watery in the light before he looks away as his phone pings. Spade wraps his arms around me, kissing my cheek, taking my attention away from this man who intrigues me. I spin around in his arms and press my lips against his.

“For Dario,” I say, and he sends the last balloon up in the sky as the sun starts to set.

“Well, it was nice meeting everyone. I’m going to get out of here so I can pack up my apartment. I will see you all tomorrow evening,” Zayn says, shaking Jamie’s hand. He says goodbye to the kids, giving Jaxon a fist bump and Hazel a pat on the head. Our eyes lock and he nods at me. I smile, nodding back as he leaves through the side gate.

“Alright, it’s bath time kiddos,” Ryder announces as Spade cleans up dinner. My eyes collide with Jamie’s, and he smirks.

“Once we put the kids to bed, I expect you in our bed, naked and waiting,” he commands, and my whole body shivers in excitement.

“We’ll see,” I taunt, and he growls, lunging for me. I step back and run out into the backyard and down the hill as he chases after me. I laugh when his body collides with mine, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“You’ll never outrun me, My Little Creature,” he whispers, and I gasp, spinning in his arms. His eyes are dark and void. I haven’t seen this look in months. I shove him away and take a step back. He licks his lips with a sinister smile on his face, and I’m not sure if I should be scared or not. Only The Carver calls me Little Creature, and this look on his face is not one I’ve seen before. The sun has set, and I notice we are all alone. The wind picks up around me, causing goosebumps to litter my skin. Taking another step back, he stalks as he tilts his head.

“Run, Little Creature, run,” he growls, and I take off into the night.